This month, the Elmhurst Park District was thrilled to receive news that State Senator Suzy Glowiak-Hilton secured a $250,000 grant from the State of Illinois for upgrades to the Mary E. Kies Recreation Center (KRC). The news was announced during the facility’s Birthday Bash, which celebrated the one-year anniversary of the facility’s opening.
The KRC is the home for adult programming at Elmhurst Park District. Located in Centennial Park at 155 E. St. Charles Road, it hosts art and wellness programs, as well as social events.
The facility was acquired in 2019 after the Park District’s Vision 2020 Comprehensive and Strategic Plan process indicated community support for a new or improved adult facility. It is more than double the size of The Abbey, the District’s previous senior center. The KRC received a number of updates before opening last summer, including remodeled restrooms for ADA compliance, code enhancements and interior updates.
With the grant, the Park District can now update the facility’s kitchen to an ADA accessible teaching kitchen that will provide recreational and instructional opportunities while also serving senior luncheons. The funds will also help replace the flooring in the gymnasium adjacent to the kitchen. The room is often used for luncheons and the new surface will be safer and more accessible.
The grant will be officially accepted at an upcoming Park Board meeting. The projects are anticipated to be incorporated into the Park District’s 2024 Budget and completed next year.
To learn more about the KRC and its recreational opportunities, visit the KRC facility page.
